Phenological Synchrony

• Phenology: The study of the timing of recurring natural phenomena.
• Many species, especially birds, have evolved to have their life events (like nesting) coincide with periods of maximum food availability.

Bird Migration and Climate Change

• In temperate ecosystems, migratory birds rule the skies.
• Their migration trigger? Photoperiod (changes in daylight hours). And guess what? Climate change doesn't affect this!
• The twist? Climate change DOES affect the availability of bird food sources like seeds, fruits, and insects, which are based on temperature-sensitive life cycles.

Plant Phenology & Climate Change

• Climate change has its grip on plant phenology, causing a shift in when plants produce food sources.
• Migratory birds often find that food sources peak before they arrive. Uh-oh! 🕰️❌

• Diet: Hungry for caterpillars to feed their babies.
• A 20-year study threw a curveball: thanks to warmer spring weather, peak caterpillar munchies are available earlier.
• But the great tits? Their baby-making calendar hasn't caught up. 📅
• The sad news? Fewer baby chicks. And those who make it? They're skinnier. 😢

• Our hooved friends, the caribou, are in a bit of a pickle.
• They dine on arctic delicacies, including the Arctic mouse-ear plant (sounds fancy, doesn't it?).
• Caribou have a spring migration ritual: move with the menu! As different plants grow at different times, the caribou follow along.
• Climate change chaos: Plants are changing their growth schedules, but the caribou's internal GPS hasn't updated.
• Result? Starving caribous can't find enough to eat. 🥺